Sponge cup and applicator



Sam. 25, 1934. Y L, NAsslF L y fi SPONGE CUP AND APPLICATOR Filed Jan. 51, 1935 INVENTOR ATTORNEY Patented Sept. 25, 1934 rear OFICE SPONGE CUP AND APPLICATOR Louis Nassif, Wheeling, W. Va.

Application January 31, 1933, Serial No. 654,492

2 Claims.

" retained within the palm of the hand, by suitable retaining meansengageable with a finger or fingers of the hand, thereby permitting efficient application of the sponge to a gummed surface of an envelope, stamp, or the like.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a device which will be ornamental in appearance, as well as one which may be readily cleaned, thus adapting itself as a desk appliance for office, home or public use.

Additional objects, advantages and features of invention will be apparent from the following description and accompanying drawing, wherein,

Figure l is a side elevation of my invention,

Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional View thereof,

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the applicator as applied to the hand of a user, illustrating the device in use.

Fig. 4 is a top plan view of the applicator, as applied to the hand of a user, illustrating a modi- 0 fled form of the retaining means.

There is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, a receptacle 10 supported upon a base 11 by a standard 12. The receptacle, base and standard are formed integrally from glass, in the present instance,

although numerous other materials may be employed. The receptacle 10 comprises a well 13 of a depth to receive a combined sponge holder and applicator 14 as will be presently described. The well 13 terminates at its upper edge in a smooth annular rim 15 forming a seat for the applicator 14.

The applicator 14 is formed from glass, although not necessarily limited to such material, and comprises a cap member 16. The cap mem- '5 ber 16 has a convex upper surface 17 and a plain smooth under surface 18. As shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 3, a finger ring 19 is integrally formed with the cap 16, the ring being of a size to readily and loosely receive a finger of a user to permit ready v and comfortable holding of the applicator within the palm of the hand.

Upon the underside 18 of the applicator 14, there is formed a sponge container 20. The con tainer 20 is shown as an integral part of the cap '55 16 having an annular side Wall 21 and a horizontal bottom wall 22. The side wall 21 is formed concentric with the annular edges of the cap 16, but spaced a substantial distance inwardly thereof, defining an annular flange 23. The flange 23 rests upon the rim 15 of the container when the applicator is disposed within the well 13.

The bottom wall 22 is provided with a central opening 24 through'which an elongated flexible dauber 25 of a sponge rubber member 26 may project, as clearly shown in Fig. 2. The sponge 26 is of a size to be readily received within the container and is introducedinto the container 20 through the opening 24, the dauber portion of the sponge projecting beyond the wall 22 which serves as the medium formoistening gummed labels, envelopes and the like.

Ordinarily, the sponge 26 will be moistened with Water, the receptacle 10 serving merely as a support and housing for the dauber against dust, dirt and air. However, it will be readily understood that the well 16 may contain the water for moistening the dauber.

The combined length of the container 20 from the underside surface 18 to the outer portion of the dauber 25 is approximately the same as the depth of the well 13 so that any Water Within the well 13 may be readily absorbed by the dauber 25 of the sponge, and normally the sponge dauber will be under compression due to contact with the bottom of the well. When the applicator is removed from the receptacle, the sponge member will expand and draw water thereinto.

The cap 16 is of a size to be readily seated within the palm of the hand of a user, and the convex surface 1'? will permit natural cupping of the hand thereover, making for the greatest comfort in use.

In use, an operator inserts one of his fingers (preferably the middle finger) through the ring 19 and closes his hand lightly upon the rim of the applicator, all of which is clearly shown in Fig. 8. The applicator is then removed from the wall and the dauber 25 may be conveniently applied to a gummed surface for moistening thereof.

In Fig. 4 I have illustrated a modification of the means for attaching the applicator 14 to the hand. In this instance, a knob 2'7 replaces the ring 19, and in use the stem 28 of the knob will be received within the space between a pair of fingers of the operator, the undersides of the knob resting upon the upper surfaces of the finger.

While I have shown and described a preferred embodiment of the invention, I am aware that various modifications may be made and I therenot having a well, an applicator removably supported thereon, said applicator having a dauber member capable of absorbing water by expansion due to its inherent resilience when compressed and relieved of compression while submerged, said dauber being extended from said applicator .a distance sufficient to engage the bottom of the receptacle when the applicator is resting on the receptacle, whereby the dauber is compressed and when the applicator is lifted will expand and draw water thereinto from the receptacle.

LOUIS NASSIF. 

